Karnataka Imposes COVID Measures as Bengaluru Detects Omicron Sub-Variant, COVID 4th Wave May Hit State in 3-4 Weeks

The health experts on Saturday said there is a possibility of COVID 4th wave starting in Karnataka in the next 3-4 weeks after two cases of Omicron sub-variant BA.2, which is more transmissible than the original strain, were detected in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar had earlier said that some studies have shown that the fourth wave of Covid-19 may begin in the state in June-July and last till September. However, he had said that the state is prepared to face any COVID wave.

The Health Department earlier in the day said it is stepping up COVID measures to tackle the emerging situation after two cases of Omicron sub-variant BA.2 were found in Bengaluru.

The state health department said a decision has been taken to increase the number of tests in the state, especially in Bengaluru.

The health officials in the state Are worried as a higher number of Covid cases are being reported from Mahadevapura and East Zones in Bengaluru where most major IT companies are located with lakhs of software professionals at work.

Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research CN Manjunath earlier in the day said Covid variants BA.2.10 and BA.2.12 have been found in the state. BA.2 variants were earlier found in New Delhi and Mumbai.